Definition
A mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical system in an aircraft that transmits the pilot's control inputs to the flight control surfaces (such as ailerons, elevators, and rudder) using a power source rather than direct muscle force. In a power control system, the pilot's movement of the cockpit controls operates servos or actuators, which in turn move the control surfaces.
Plain English
It's the system that does the heavy lifting between the pilot's controls and the parts of the aircraft that actually move it. Instead of the pilot pulling the surfaces directly through cables, a power source moves them in response to the pilot's inputs.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems and maintenance discussions for larger or faster aircraft, especially where the flight controls depend on hydraulic pressure.
Why Pilots Care
On aircraft fitted with power control systems, the pilot is fully dependent on the power source (hydraulic, electric, or mechanical) to move the controls. Loss of that power can mean loss of normal control authority, which is why these aircraft have backup systems and reversion modes.
Analogy
Like power steering in a car: the driver still decides where to go, but the actual force needed to turn the wheels comes from a power source, not the driver's arms.
Intuition Check
Do not read “power” here as engine power or electrical power. In this term, it means outside force, usually hydraulic pressure, helping move the flight controls.
Example Sentence 1
On large transport aircraft, the power control system uses hydraulic actuators to move the ailerons and elevators in response to control wheel inputs.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight inspection the mechanic checked the power control system linkages for binding or wear.